Navigating Change and Reinvention: A Conversation with Michael J. Critelli In this in-depth conversation, former CEO and Chairman of Pitney Bowes, Michael J. Critelli, shares insights on leading a company through periods of significant change and market disruption. Starting with a historical overview of Pitney Bowes’ evolution from a mail processing business to embracing global markets and adjacent market opportunities, Critelli discusses strategic thinking, the importance of innovation, and the necessity of constantly adapting business strategies. He highlights the challenges of competing with government and quasi-government entities, the importance of exiting markets strategically, and the need to centralize operations to stay competitive. The conversation also touches on the value of salespeople as 'human sensors' in identifying opportunities, the importance of R&D investment, understanding customer-driven value, and the role of leadership in navigating change. Critelli’s journey offers valuable lessons on staying relevant in evolving markets and the continuous rebalancing of organizational focus and resources. 00:00 Opening Remarks and Introduction to Today's Episode 01:55 The Evolution of Pitney Bowes: Adapting to Change 03:43 Insights and Strategies from Michael J. Critelli 07:40 Reframing Competition and Embracing New Opportunities 12:45 Navigating the Complexities of Global Postal Services 20:35 The Art of Entering and Exiting Markets Strategically 36:43 Cultural Transformation and Organizational Change 45:25 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Find Mike here: https://www.mikecritelli.com  

In this episode of 'The Innovation Show,' host Aidan McCullen sits down with the former chairman and CEO of Pitney Bowes, Michael Critelli. Through a deep dive into Critelli’s career, we explore his penchant for the road less traveled, his transformative leadership at Pitney Bowes, and his insights on innovation, strategy, and foresight. From humble beginnings to leading a staple communications company through times of intense change, including the internet era, 9/11, and the recession, Critelli shares lessons on valuing potential over qualifications, listening to dissent, and the importance of constant adaptation in business and life. 00:00 Early Career and Joining Pitney Bowes 01:40 Climbing the Ladder: From Legal to Leadership 04:28 Reinventing Pitney Bowes: A Tale of Transformative Change 07:09 Embracing Agile Strategy: Lessons from the Front Lines 13:51 The Power of Listening and Adapting in Leadership 42:39 The Importance of Vision and Courage in Decision-Making  44:47 Fostering a Culture of Continuous Learning and Innovation

This episode of the Corporate Explorer series features a discussion with Bea Schofield, a specialist in Challenge-Driven Innovation (CDI), and various co-authors of the 'Corporate Explorer Field Book'. The podcast, supported by Wazoku, delves into how large organisations can foster innovation through a sustainable ecosystem using 'Connected Collective Intelligence'. The conversation focuses on the principles of CDI, detailing a framework dubbed 'LASSO' for crafting effective challenges that stimulate creative solutions. It underscores the importance of setting clear boundaries to fuel creativity, ensuring challenges are actionable and specific, and aligning them with strategic goals to facilitate ownership and support within the organisation. The episode also covers strategic challenge framing, stakeholder engagement, solution evaluation, and prioritisation, offering insights into blending creativity with systematic processes for corporate innovation. Bea Schofield shares her perspective on the role of corporate innovators and the necessity of balancing ideation with execution to drive meaningful organisational change.  00:00 Welcome to the Corporate Explorer Series: Launching the Field Book 00:15 Introducing Wazoku: Powering Sustainable Innovation 01:07 Diving Into the World of CDI with Bea Schofield 03:59 Exploring the LASSO Framework for Effective Challenges 07:44 The Importance of Support and Ownership in Innovation 17:19 Navigating Corporate Innovation: Strategies and Tools 20:41 Selecting the Right Channels for Innovation Challenges 21:58 Wrapping Up and Where to Find Bea Schofield Corporate Explorer Series, Innovation Ecosystems, CDI (Challenge Driven Innovation), Connected Collective Intelligence, Ideation Process, Challenge Design, LASSO Framework, Problem Solving,  Collaboration,  Corporate Innovation

Ian and the host, Aidan McCullen, explore how companies past and present have navigated the transition from the 'first curve' - a state of established practices and security - to the 'second curve' of innovation and adaptation in the face of new technologies and markets. They discuss examples of organisations like HR Block, SGI (Silicon Graphics), and Volvo, and how they've managed to pivot or struggled with these shifts. Ian offers profound insights into the societal move towards a knowledge economy, the importance of venture capital in disruptive innovation, consumer empowerment, and the geographical shift in economic power towards the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, they discuss the importance of organisational culture in adapting to change, the challenges of measuring success on the second curve, and the personal and societal impacts of these transitions. The conversation concludes by emphasising the need for individuals and organisations to embrace uncertainty, leverage existing competencies, and prepare for a future that prioritises hyper-effectiveness and adaptive skills.    00:00 Introduction to the Second Curve 00:31 Understanding the Shift from First to Second Curve 00:56 The Impact of the Second Curve on Organizations 01:44 The Second Curve and the Post-Industrial Economy 02:10 The Role of Knowledge in the Second Curve 02:48 The Power of Disruptive Innovation 03:03 The Shift in Consumer Power 03:34 The Geographic Transformation of the Second Curve 04:36 The Importance of People in the Second Curve 05:31 The Second Curve Mindset 06:25 The Dilemma of the Second Curve 09:02 The Role of Technology in the Second Curve 15:06 The Impact of the Second Curve on Individuals 18:24 The Future of the Second Curve 48:19 Conclusion: Embracing the Second Curve   Find ian here: http://ianmorrison.com  

Working mothers are disproportionately bearing the burden of poor physical and mental health outcomes, on top of economic burdens amplified by parenthood. But this isn’t just an individual issue. What impacts the mother has negative ripple effects for children, families, employers, and our nation as a whole. In recent years, this burden has increased, along with women’s likelihood of dying after childbirth. The infographic below highlights the gravity of these burdens and the national toll this stress on working mothers creates. Working mothers are plagued by depression, anxiety, and burnout at higher rates than both working fathers and coworkers without children. Mental health issues are the leading cause of maternal mortality, which the CDC recently identified as preventable in 84% of cases. Health issues are compounded by economic distress, such as the cost of childcare, which has risen 214% since 1990, while average family income has only risen 143%. Missed days from work due to mental distress cost the economy over $47 billion. Find the report here:  https://www.christenseninstitute.org/blog/the-hug-that-americas-mothers-need-now/

Renowned innovation strategist Kaihan Krippendorff introduces the IDEAS framework, a method to foster breakthrough ideas in large corporations. He shares practical strategies to overcome barriers to innovation and drive internal innovation. The framework focuses on critical conversations for creating a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

Futurist Ian Morrison discusses 'The Second Curve' concept, Microsoft and Apple as successful examples, shift to organic organisational forms, virtual integration strategy, and importance of adaptable culture in business transformations

Tony Ulwick, acclaimed author of 'Jobs to be Done,' discusses the critical role of defining the market in innovation. He introduces the 'Jobs to be Done Market Definition Canvas' and emphasizes creating products guaranteed to succeed. The episode explores market needs, customer outcomes, and the 'Jobs to be Done' methodology revolutionizing market definition.

Narendra Laljani, a management educator and consultant at Henley Business School, discusses the challenges organizations face when adapting to a changing environment. He shares examples like Encyclopaedia Britannica and Kodak, highlighting the importance of market insight and overcoming established paradigms. Laljani emphasizes the power of mental models, the need to challenge assumptions, and the significance of learning and planning in strategy.

Mike Beer, expert on strategy execution and organizational issues, discusses the silent killers of strategy implementation. Topics include unclear strategies, ineffective senior teams, lack of vertical communication, and poor coordination across divisions and regions. The importance of leadership qualities and engaging with the author's mission to improve management practices are also explored.